Alexander Isak makes Liverpool start claim after Hugo Ekitike red card and 'special' Newcastle situation

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Alexander Isak could be handed his first Premier League start for Liverpool on Saturday after Hugo Ekitike was sent off against Southampton.

The Swede scored his first goal for the Reds in their 2-1 League Cup win over the Saints before being replaced by the Frenchman at half-time.

Ekitike would go on to score the late winner but was then immediately sent off for a second bookable offence after celebrating by removing his shirt.

The striker, who has started all five of Liverpool’s Premier League matches so far this season, will now serve a one-match suspension and miss the trip to Crystal Palace as a result.

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Reds boss Arne Slot must now choose whether to hand Isak his first Premier League start for the club after a disjointed pre-season where he was essentially on strike at former club Newcastle United.

Federico Chiesa, who claimed two assists in a man of the match performance against Southampton, is also an alternative to the Isak, but has only ever started one game for Liverpool in the English top-flight.

Isak sidestepped questions about whether he might start at Selhurst Park after scoring his first goal, pointing out the decision is down to his manager.

But the forward insisted he is working hard to get back to top fitness and sharpness as quickly as possible, having been seen warming down at half-time moments after scoring his first goal for the club ahead of being withdrawn at the break.

“Yeah, I’m just working hard to be in my best shape and it’s up to the coach (if I start vs Palace),” he said.

“It was good to get more minutes and work on my game fitness and sharpness.

All the minutes I get is helpful.

“Obviously my situation was a bit special so I had to do some extra work which is completely normal, you know.

“I’m happy to do any work that will get me in better shape.

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Isak also shared his delight at now being a Liverpool player, joking it had previously been frustrating suffering late defeats to his new side as an opposing player, before paying tribute to Chiesa for assisting his first goal for the club.

“It’s kind of been frustrating seeing it from the other side, but it’s amazing to be a part of it,” he told LFC TV.

“And obviously we want to work on our performances and play better throughout parts of the game.

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“But ultimately it’s all about winning so that’s the main goal.

We can always work on details in the game.

“All the work was really done by Fede!

High pressure regain and from that moment, I was just trying to be in the right place.

“I was and I just tucked it away.”